Detection of mutations and polymorphisms in the p53 tumor suppressor gene by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis

Deciphering the genetic mechanisms in cancer development requires analysis of a large number of tumors for consistent genetic alterations. Single-stra nd conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis is a fast and efficient meth od for detecting mutations, deletions, insertions and loss of alleles. The primary advantage of this method is speed and ability to screen a large num ber of samples at one time. Here we report the use of the SSCP technique fo r rapidly screening tumor and normal tissues for mutations and polymorphism s in the p53 tumor suppressor gene. Because the DNA extracted from specific aberrant bands from different samples always give rise to the same nucleot ide sequence upon sequencing analysis, the SSCP technique can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify the presence of such genetic alterations withou t having to spend time on further sequencing analysis.